This episode was recorded live in front of an audience on Wednesday, October 15th, at Lasansky Corp Gallery as part of the October edition of Downtown Iowa City's First Round program.

In this special live episode of "Downtown Dish," hosts Anna Moyers Stone and Charlie Nusser chat with local artist Diego Lasansky about his creative journey and family’s artistic legacy. Diego shares how growing up in a family of artists shaped his passion for printmaking and sculpture, and why he’s chosen to stay rooted in Iowa City. The conversation explores his daily routines, creative process, and the joys and challenges of managing a family gallery downtown, offering listeners an engaging look at the vibrant local arts scene and the people who make it special.

About Downtown Dish: The hit Iowa City radio show is now a hit Iowa City podcast! Join Anna and Charlie every month as they dish on everything about downtown Iowa City, including interviews with area movers and shakers, news headlines, and even some spicy gossip!

This show is presented in partnership between the Downtown Iowa City District and the Corridor Business Journal, and is produced and distributed by Upload Media Group.

In this episode, hosts Anna and Charlie celebrate fall in Iowa City, discussing local events like Taste of Iowa City, Oktoberfest, and the University of Iowa’s homecoming parade. The main feature is an in-depth interview with Kate Dreyer and Jessica Meyer, two of the three owners (along with Kay Boyer) behind The Shop, a unique boutique on South Dubuque Street.

They share the story of how their partnership began, the evolution of their business from a small idea to a thriving downtown destination, and the challenges they’ve faced running a brick-and-mortar store in a changing retail landscape. The conversation delves into topics such as sourcing local and sustainable products, building a loyal customer base, and the importance of adapting to new trends while staying true to their vision. The trio also offers candid advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of friendship, authenticity, and community support in building a successful business.

The episode wraps up with the return of Bill Nusser for his segment: "Have You Heard?". Bill shares his perspective on the resilience of the downtown community, the importance of supporting local businesses, and his hopes for the future of the city’s vibrant core.

About Downtown Dish: The hit Iowa City radio show is now a hit Iowa City podcast! Join Anna and Charlie every month as they dish on everything about downtown Iowa City, including interviews with area movers and shakers, news headlines, and even some spicy gossip!

This show is presented in partnership between the Downtown Iowa City District and the Corridor Business Journal, and is produced and distributed by Upload Media Group.

On the latest Downtown Dish, Charlie’s back from summer (and baby!) break with guest co-host Betsy Potter from ICDD, and they’re chatting with Josh Immerfall—the owner of Donnelly's Pub and mastermind behind some of Downtown’s newest bars and restaurants, including Scout's Honor, Camp, and Giddy Up.

Josh shares how and why get got involved with the service industry, why themed bars are his secret sauce, and how he keeps Iowa City’s nightlife fresh for each new wave of customers. From finding specialized décor to building spaces where people connect, this one’s packed with behind-the-scenes stories and laughs.

Tune in for a peek into the intricate planning and analysis behind bar ownership—plus Iowa City’s only mechanical bull, the best garlic-butter pizza crust in town, and more from the city’s nightlife scene.

About Downtown Dish: The hit Iowa City radio show is now a hit Iowa City podcast! Join Anna and Charlie every month as they dish on everything about downtown Iowa City, including interviews with area movers and shakers, news headlines, and even some spicy gossip!

This show is presented in partnership between the Downtown Iowa City District and the Corridor Business Journal, and is produced and distributed by Upload Media Group.